As a host or hostess for an up and coming dinner party, you want to think about ways you can make things easier for yourself when serving food. Conserving energy and saving steps are very important, and you want to avoid jumping in and out of your seat all evening. When setting things up before your guests arrive, think about how you can eliminate unnecessary steps. (It may mean eliminating certain guests on your list, but that can only be your decision.)
One thing that might help is to place the salad on the table BEFORE seating your guests. Think about utilizing that sideboard as a self-service station, which will make things a lot easier on the frazzled host or hostess. Guests can have as much or as little as they want, and it is the soles on their shoes and not that of the host or hostess that get worn out in the process of selection! On the other hand, portion control and appearance will not be as it would if the person organizing the plates is the same one who paid for all the food! Only you can decide which works best for you.
If you decide to go the self-service route, use an oversized platter to hold the main course and several vegetables. Encourage your guests to eat seconds, but don’t force feed them. No one likes to feel they have to sing (or in this case, eat) for their supper.
Don’t be too upset if some food mishap occurs. Remember that it is not the food that makes a wonderful dinner party as much as it is the people involved. A marvelous feast never saved a bad evening and a burnt roast never ruined a good one. It is the camaraderie and the interaction of you and your guests that will reign supreme in the memory of all who attend your dinner party.
Happy dinner party!
Related Reading:
http://forums.families.com/easy-party-ideas,t36833
“The Dinner Party: What to Serve”